Low power consumption fluid leak and overflow detection device

ABSTRACT

A low power consumption fluid leak or overflow detection device for a fluid tank includes a fluid level switch disposed within the tank having a float. The float moves with a fluid level within the tank from a starting position to a second position. An electronic circuit is configured to be electrically disconnected from a power source when the float is in the starting position. The electronic circuit is configured to be electrically connected to the power source when the float is in the second position and activate a timer having a preset time limit, which if reached sends an alarm signal to an alarm indicator. The alarm indicator notifies a resident of a potential problem that can be fixed. The low power consumption leak or overflow detection device only uses power when the fluid level drops or rises thereby greatly extending the life of the battery.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This continuation application claims priority to Ser. No. 16/948,246filed on Sep. 9, 2020, which itself was a non-provisional applicationclaiming priority to provisional application 62/900,426 filed on Sep.13, 2019, the entire contents of which all applications are herebyincorporated in full by this reference.

DESCRIPTION Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to leak and/or overflowdetection of a fluid tank. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to a low cost and low power consumption device for fluid tanklevel detection.

Background of the Invention

Water consumption studies and data clearly indicate that a majority ofthe water wasted in dwellings are due to toilet leaks and malfunctionsthereof. These leaks mostly go unnoticed because the wasted water goesdown the drain and also because many times toilets are unattended forlong periods of time.

Unless the toilet is flushed or the tank loses water due to leaks, thewater level in the toilet tank should remain at a full level. It isadvisable for the toilet installer or resident to set the toilet filllevel to a level which is below the overflow line otherwise the toiletfill valve will continue filling the toilet tank with water which willend up being flushed through the toilet bowl resulting in wasted waterand cost.

However, even when such toilet fill levels are properly set, over timeproblems may develop. For example, toilet fill valve adjustmentsoccasionally change while in service due to age, water quality andminerals, environmental conditions or exposure to excessive waterpressure. There are at least three major types of leaks in toilet tanksthat account for almost all the water waste.

First, small leaks may develop from multiple sources such as cracks inthe body of the tank, a leaky flapper may drip water in the toilet bowl,or leaks may develop from broken seals and the like. A decline in waterlevel in toilet tanks due to such leaks are usually at relatively muchslower decline rate than that of a toilet flush which makes identifyingthem even harder. Second, the flapper may simply be stuck in the openposition and not noticed by the resident. In this situation the fillvalve is constantly trying to fill the toilet tank only to have thewater flush right through the toilet bowl. Third, there may be anoverfill situation due to a loss of original fill valve settings ormalfunction. For example, the toilet fill valve may fail to operate overtime such that water is always being introduced into the toilet bowldespite the toilet tank being full. In this situation, water is flushingthrough the overflow tube and being wasted yet again. Accordingly, thereis a need for a device that can notify the user of the presence of suchsituations. Certain devices attempt to address this situation but suffera number of other drawbacks, for example, having a short life span,consuming large amounts of power, and/or other drawbacks not discussed.

Accordingly, there is a need for a low power consumption toilet tankleak detection device. The present invention fulfills these needs andprovides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a low powerconsumption toilet tank leak detection device 30 as disclosed herein.The leak detection device 30 is intended to be used for a toilet tank31, but could be used in other tanks. A support structure 32 isconfigured to secure the leak detection device relative to the toilettank. A water level switch 28 is attached to the support structureconfigured to be disposed within the toilet tank. The water level switchcomprises a float 23 configured to be buoyant when placed upon a watersource. The float is configured to float upon and at least partiallymove with a water level 25 within the toilet tank from a beginningposition 24 to a first non-beginning position 26/27, the firstnon-beginning position being lower or higher in relation to thebeginning position. An electronic circuit 39 is attached to the supportstructure. The electronic circuit includes a power source 41 and a timer40, wherein the electronic circuit is in electrical communication withthe water level switch. The electronic circuit is configured to beelectrically disconnected from the power source when the water levelswitch is at the beginning position. The electronic circuit isconfigured to be electrically connected to the power source when thewater level switch is at the first non-beginning position. The timer isconfigured to be activated when the water level switch is at the firstnon-beginning position and the electronic circuit is electricallyconnected to the power source. The timer includes a preset time limit,wherein if the preset time limit is reached and/or exceeded theelectronic circuit is configured to send an alarm signal to an alarmindicator 42. Other exemplary embodiments of the present invention arenow further discussed herein below.

The support structure may be formed as or includes a bracket 32, thebracket configured to secure the leak detection device to the toilettank or to an overflow tube inside the toilet tank.

The timer may include a second preset time limit, wherein if the secondpreset time limit is reached and/or exceeded the electronic circuit isconfigured to disconnect from the power source. The second preset timelimit may start when the first preset time limit is reached and/orexceeded.

Alternatively, another embodiment of the present invention may beconfigured to automatically disconnect electrical power to theelectronic circuit after the alarm signal has been sent, such that asecond preset time limit is not needed.

The alarm indicator may be attached to the support structure, where thealarm indicator is configured to be disposed at least partially outsidethe toilet tank. The alarm indicator may include a visual alarm 45/48,wherein the visual alarm may comprise an LED 45 and/or wherein thevisual alarm may comprise a mechanical display 48 (such as a resetbutton that pops up) configured to remain displayed even when the powersource is disconnected from the electronic circuit.

The alarm indicator may comprise a speaker 44 (buzzer) configured tosound an audible alarm.

The alarm indicator may comprise a transmitter 54, wherein thetransmitter is configured to receive the alarm signal and send awireless alarm signal to an electronic device, such as a smart phone orcomputer. In such embodiments, the alarm indicator may be configured tobe fully disposed within the toilet tank.

The power source 41 may be a battery, such as a rechargeable battery ora non-rechargeable battery. Alternatively, the power source may be hardwired to an electrical outlet in the dwelling or come from solar power.

In one embodiment, the water level switch 28 may comprise a verticallyoriented support 20 including a reed switch 14 having a longitudinalaxis 29 aligned along a longitudinal length 19 of the verticallyoriented support. The float may be movable up and down along thevertically oriented support, wherein the float comprises a ring magnet10. The ring magnet comprises a north-pole ring portion N abutting asouth-pole ring portion S, where a central axis 12 of the ring magnet isaligned with the longitudinal axis 29 of the reed switch 14.

The vertically oriented support may include a lower stop 27 configuredto prevent the float from moving below the lower stop when the waterlevel within the toilet tank drops further below, wherein the floatabutting the lower stop is located at the first non-beginning position.

The float may be configured to float upon and at least partially movewith the water level within the toilet tank from the beginning positionto a second non-beginning position 26, the second non-beginning positionbeing higher in relation to the beginning position.

The vertically oriented support may include a higher stop 26 configuredto prevent the float from moving above the higher stop when the waterlevel within the toilet tanks rises further above, wherein the floatabutting the higher stop is located at the second non-beginningposition.

The vertically oriented support 20 may be adjustable up and down inrelation to the support structure, through the use of a screw 36 withknurled head 37 or the like, where the support 20 can be adjusted tomove within a passageway 35.

In one embodiment, the electronic circuit may include a counter 57,where the counter is configured to display how many times the leakdetection device was activated. The counter may include a counter resetbutton 58, where the counter reset button is configured to reset thecounter back to a starting count when activated.

In the embodiment shown, the leak detection device does not include amicroprocessor, and, in other embodiments not shown, a microprocessormight be used.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following more detailed description, when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way ofexample, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an axially magnetized ring magnet;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a diametrically magnetized ring magnet;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view through an axially magnetized ring magnetshowing the magnetic field lines;

FIG. 3A is a sectional view of a reed switch in the open position;

FIG. 3B is a sectional view of the reed switch of FIG. 3A in a closedposition;

FIG. 4A is a sectional view of the structures of FIGS. 2 and 3Acombined, where the reed switch is disposed at the center of the ringmagnet and therefore is open;

FIG. 4B is a sectional view of the structures of FIGS. 2 and 3Bcombined, where the reed switch is disposed below the center of the ringmagnet and therefore is closed;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a water level switch utilized by thepresent invention;

FIG. 6A shows the water level switch of FIG. 5 where the float is notclosing the reed switch;

FIG. 6B shows the water level switch of FIG. 5 where the float islowered and therefore closes the reed switch;

FIG. 6C shows the water level switch of FIG. 5 where the float is raisedand therefore closes the reed switch;

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view through a toilet tank showing thepresent invention disposed therein;

FIG. 8 is a simplified embodiment of an alarm indicator utilized by thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 shows the structure of FIG. 8 now activated; and

FIG. 10 is an electrical schematic of one embodiment of an electricalcircuit utilized by the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the present device utilizes a ring magnet and a reedswitch, therefore a discussion of these components is appropriate at thebeginning of this detailed description. Typically, there are two typesof ring magnets, where the first type of ring magnet 10 is axiallymagnetized and is shown in FIG. 1A. One can see the north-pole beinglabeled as N and the south-pole being labeled as S. The second type ofring magnet 11 is diametrically magnetized and is shown in FIG. 1B. Onecan see how the magnetization poles are perpendicular to that of FIG.1A. In FIG. 1B the left half is labeled N for the north-pole and theright half is labeled S for the south-pole. Each of these types of ringmagnets produce different magnetic fields due to the differentorientation of the poles. The ring magnet type used in the embodimentsdiscussed and shown herein is the axially magnetized ring magnet of FIG.1A.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional side view through an axiallymagnetized ring magnet 10 now showing the magnetic field lines. Anx-axis and y-axis are also shown, the center of which corresponds to thecenter of the ring magnet 10. The y-axis is also the central axis 12(centerline) of the ring magnet 10. One can see how the magnetic fieldlines form a loop at the radius ends of the ring magnet with field linesescaping outwardly from the middle portion of the ring magnet.

Notably there is a transition field line (location C) where the loopingfield lines change to outwardly extending field lines. It is understoodby those skilled in the art that the line designating the transitionfield line where the magnetic field changes from either curving inwardor outward is nothing but an imaginary location and not an actual fieldline, as otherwise a north field line would be coupling with itself.Rather, this transition field line is drawn for the reader'sunderstanding such that they understand there is a location oftransition between the various field lines.

Location A is the intersection of the x-axis and y-axis. One can seethat the magnetic field lines going from north to south are downwardlyaligned along the y-axis. All field lines in the x-axis are effectivelycancelled out or non-existent. As the ratio of the inside radius Ri tothe outside radius Ro increases the width of the magnetic field in thedirection of the y-axis increases. As the thickness T increases thelength of the magnetic field in the direction of the y-axis increases.In other words, the direction of the magnet field becomes less linear asthe location moves from the intersection of the x-y axis towards theinner surface of the ring magnet along the x-axis as noted by locationB. This characteristic further changes as the relevant location moves upor down from the x-axis as noted by location C. Also, thischaracteristic further changes as the location moves up or down the xand y-axis as shown at location D. Importantly, as shown at location C,the direction of the magnetic field becomes radically different and arealmost at 90 degrees to the field direction in comparison to location A.An embodiment of the present invention utilizes this transition fieldline at location C to activate the reed switch, which is now furtherdiscusses herein.

As shown in FIG. 3A, a reed switch 14 has a glass capsule 15 with aninert gas 16 located within. There is a small gap between the overlap 17of two ends of the reed blades 18. The reed switches are linear inlength and define a longitudinal axis 19. Reed switches 14 are simplemechanical devices that are available in Normally Open (NO), NormallyClosed (NC) (2 wire) or NO/NC (3 wire) combination. They change from adefault position to the opposing position when placed in a magneticfield that causes the contacts in the switch engage or disengage, whichdoes depend upon the specification and sensitivity of a particular reedswitch.

A reed switch's response to a magnetic field depends on the magneticstrength and direction of the magnetic field relative to the position ofthe switch contacts. If the magnetic fields are in the same direction asthe switch reeds, the reed switch would not react as shown in FIG. 3A.For example, if the reed switch was aligned along the y-axis at locationA in FIG. 2, the reed switch will not react (not close) as is shown inFIG. 4A. On the other hand, if the magnetic field lines are runningnon-parallel (i.e. close to perpendicular) to the reed switch, the reedswitch will close as shown in FIG. 3B. For example, if the reed switch14 was aligned along the y-axis at location C in FIG. 2, the reed switchwill close as shown in FIG. 4B.

As can now be appreciated, it is possible to create a linear magneticfield in the direction of y-axis in center of the ring magnet. The widthand length of the linear magnetic field depends on the inner radius,outer radius, length and material of the magnet. By designing a magnetthat accommodates the size, shape and required magnetic force of a reedswitch, the reed switch can be placed in the center of the magnet in aposition that it will not attract the switch reeds to each other becausethe magnetic field will run along the metallic reeds without any lateralmagnetic force to make a contact. If the reed switch is moved closer toan inner wall, the magnetic fields will change pattern and will nolonger be linear hence will trigger the switch. However, one can createa structure which centers the ring magnet about the reed switch suchthat almost no movement in the x-axis is allowed. Then, as the reedswitch moves along y-axis away from the center of the magnet, the reedswitch will trigger because the magnetic fields become non-linear, hencetriggering the switch at location C in FIG. 2 and also shown in FIG. 4B.

Now having an understanding of the operation of a ring magnet and a reedswitch, a water level sensor/switch 28 can be created. FIG. 5 is asectional view of one example of a reed switch 14 aligned with andplaced in the center of a longitudinal length 19 of a verticallyoriented support 20, which in this embodiment is simply a tube 20. Thevertical center of the reed switch is identified at line 24. The tube 20includes a seal 21 at the top such that water or other contaminates donot interfere in the operation of the reed switch. The cross section ofthe tube may be circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular or anyother combination thereof such as hexagonal, octagonal or the like. Thetube is preferably shaped so the ring magnet 14 can slide freely alongthe outside of the tube 20. Here, the ring magnet 14 is disposed withina buoyant material 22 to form the float 23. The buoyant material 22 hasenough buoyancy to overcome the weight of the ring magnet such that theoverall float assembly 23 is buoyant when placed upon water. In practicethe tube 20 is stationary in its location as it is attached inside thetoilet tank. This then allows the float 23 to move up and down along thetube as the water level goes up and down.

There are many ways of creating this float assembly 23. For example, thering magnet may be fully molded inside the buoyant material or partiallymolded inside the buoyant material. The buoyant material may be aplastic shell with an air pocket disposed therein. The buoyant materialmay be any material or construction that has a lower specific gravity ofwater such that the overall float assembly 23 has a lower specificgravity of water. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art,there are a limitless amount of ways the float 23 may be constructed asthis teaching is not meant to limit the invention to the specific formtaught herein. The float 23 can then be slid over the tube 20 such thatthe float 23 is free to rise and fall with the level of the water insidea tank, such as a toilet tank.

FIG. 6A is a side sectional view showing the tube 20 and float 23installed within a tank to measure the water level 25. There is an upperstop 26 and a lower stop 27, which may be integrally formed as part ofthe tube 20 or comprise a separate part attached to the tube 20. Thestops prevent the movement of the float if the float goes too high ortoo low. In FIG. 62 the center of the ring magnet inside the float 23 isaligned with the vertical center 24 of the reed switch. In thissituation, the reed switch 14 is still open as there are no magneticforces causes the reeds to close and make electrical contact.

FIG. 6B is similar to FIG. 6A, but now shows the water level 25 hasdropped. The lower stop 27 prevents the float 23 from dropping furtheras the water level 25 continues to drop. The location of the lower stopis placed such that the reed switch is located at a position whichchanges the magnetic forces on the switch so that the forces upon thereeds of the reed switch to close; for example, position C in FIG. 2 inrelation to the ring magnet. The ring magnet therefore now causes thereed switch to close and conduct electrical current.

FIG. 6C is similar to FIG. 6A and is the opposite situation of FIG. 6B.In FIG. 6C the water level 25 has risen above the upper stop 26 suchthat the ring magnet once again causes the reed switch to close andconduct electrical current. The upper and lower stops keep the ringmagnet in locations which allow for the reed switch is activated.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of one embodiment of the presentinvention being a low power consumption toilet tank leak detectiondevice 30 being installed inside of a toilet tank 31. Here, a supportstructure 32 is configured to secure the leak detection device 30relative to the toilet tank. In this embodiment, the support structure32 is formed as a bracket that hangs over the edge of the toilet tankitself. A screw 33 with a knurled head 34 (or the like) can be used forthe user to easily secure the support structure 32 inside the toilettank. The support structure includes a passageway 35 for the tube 20 tobe disposed within. The passageway 35 allows for the tube 20 to beadjusted up and down such that the water level sensor can be positionedcorrectly during installation of the present invention. A second screw36 with a knurled head 37 (or the like) can once again be used to securethe tube into its correct position. As can be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art, there are a multitude of ways the support structureand screws may be configured or used to secure the present inventioninside a toilet tank, as this particular teaching is not to be limitedto the precise embodiment taught herein. Furthermore, there are a wholerange of water level sensors and configurations that can be usedconsistent with the teaching of this application. For an example of anembodiment not shown, a float can be attached to a lever arm that pivotsabout a hinge, where the position of the lever arm will either connector disconnect various electrical devices and operate in a similar mannerto teaching herein.

Now referring back to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, there is acontroller 38. The controller 38 may take the form of a box as shownherein or simply be integrated into the support structure 32.Furthermore, the controller 38 may be located outside or inside of thetank depending on the embodiment. The controller may contain theelectronic circuit 39 (best shown in FIG. 10) that operates the device.The controller may also contain a timer 40 and a power source 41 such asa battery. While the present invention may use a microprocessor, thisparticular embodiment does not. The controller may also contain an alarmindicator 42, the alarm indicator taking many forms and variations asdiscussed further herein.

For facilitating installation of the device, the controller can includea test button 43 that is configured to start or stop an audible (buzzer44) or visual signal (LED 45) when the float 25 is located at thecorrect neutral position, that being the vertical center 24 of the reedswitch. This makes adjusting the screw 36 very easy as one can determinewhen the tube 20 has been properly located. Once everything is properlyadjusted, the test button 43 can be turned off such that the deviceresumes its normal operation.

The normal use cycle for a toilet is when it is flushed, meaning theflapper is pulled open. During this cycle the water in the toilet tankdrains in the toilet bowl. Depending on the type of toilet and its flushoptions the tank is either fully or partially emptied. The flapperreturns to closed position and toilet fill valve (that resides insidethe tank) senses the low level of water in the tank and fills the tankto the preset level which can be considered the full tank level. Thewater level sensor of the present invention senses what is happening tothe water level inside the tank. However, the level switch signal mimicsa mechanical switch that is open (not electrically connected) when thefloat is in the center position (i.e. full tank level) and closed(electrically connected) when the float is either higher or lower thatthe center position.

Four different tank level positions described below:

1. In a normal use cycle, when the toilet is flushed and water drainsfrom the tank, the level switch senses the lower water level in the tankand the switch will change from an open to closed position activatingthe electronic circuit and the timer. As the tank fills up to the fullposition and the toilet fill valve shuts the water to the tank down, theswitch will return to open position. If there is any abnormality withthe cycle and the timer times out, the solenoid is activated notifyingthe user and disconnects the circuit to stop current draw. Depending onthe type of toilet, the length of this cycle is roughly between twentyseconds to two minutes.

2. If the flapper stays open, the water level will not return to thefull tank level and the switch will stay closed, and the circuit timesout creating an alarm.

3. If there is a small leak in the tank after the tank fills up tonormal level, water will drain slowly and at some point, the level willfall sufficiently for the switch to change to close position activatingthe electronic circuit and the timer. This will also register a timeoutand sound the alarm. The tank will eventually drain to point that thefill valve turns on and fills the tank back up causing the switch toopen again. This cycle will continue until the leak is fixed. Dependingon the type of leak and toilet, the length of this cycle is usuallybetween three to twenty minutes.

4. A toilet fill valve may malfunction and occasionally may not stop atthe desired level. This may then overfill or underfill the toilet tank.In case of an overfill, water will pass through the overfill tube to thetoilet bowl. If this happens, the flow switch magnet will reach itsupper limit, the level switch will sense the overfill and change to theclosed position. In case of an underfill the float will stay rested onthe lower stop causing a time out and alarm. These conditions willremain until toilet is flushed.

Referring now to the alarm indicator, there are many embodiments thismay take. One such embodiment is shown in FIG. 8 which is just oneexample of many methods that can be devised. In this example, amicroswitch 46 with a lever 47 is used. In this embodiment, themicroswitch 46 may have one wire normally closed that can be routed to awireless communication circuit if required. Another wire can be routedto the circuit as will be shown in FIG. 10. As can be appreciated, thereare many variations of microswitches or the like that can be routed to amultitude of variations of electrical circuits that are consistent withthis teaching.

When the reset button 48 is pressed, one end 49 of the lever 47 latcheson a (spring 50 loaded) pivoting latch arm 51 and keeps the microswitch46 in the reset (closed) position. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the latcharm 51 has an angled head 55 that is configured to catch the lever end49 when the reset button 48 is depressed. When an alarm condition isdetected by the electronic circuit 39, a solenoid 52 activates and moves(pushes) the latch arm to pivot about the hinge 56 forcing the end 49 ofthe lever 47 out of the latch status. Hence, the switch lever 47 springsup causing the switch 46 to be in an open condition and pushed the resetbutton 48 up revealing an alarm condition which is shown in FIG. 9. InFIG. 9, the lever arm 51 is also shown in dashed lines to show how itpivots about the hinge 56 to then release the lever 47 so that it maypush the reset button 48 upwards.

Referring now to the electronic circuit 39, there are many embodimentsthis may take. One such embodiment is shown in FIG. 10. The electroniccircuit includes a simple “delay before on” timer 40. The output of thetimer 40 powers the solenoid 52 through a relay or transistor switch 53.The timer 40 is set to activate in a predetermined elapsed time from apower on condition where the predetermined elapsed time is longer thanthe anticipated time for a flush cycle where the toilet tank will gofrom a full to flush to full condition. Here, the electronic circuit maybe hard wired or powered by solar power, rechargeable batteries and/orregular batteries 41. The power to the electronic circuit passes throughthe alarm indicator microswitch 46 that is connected in series with thelevel switch 14. When the alarm indicator is reset and the toilet tankis full the circuit is completely off. In a normal flush cycle, thecircuit is powered, the timer starts running but the tank fills inbefore the timer is triggered and circuit powers off. In case of allthree leak types, the recovery time is longer than the predeterminedelapsed time and the timer triggers the solenoid and the device shows analarm condition has been encountered. Simultaneously the circuit ispowered off by the microswitch to conserve energy yet again.

As previously discussed, the electrical circuit 39 may also include atest button 43 that is configured to start or stop and audible (buzzer44) or visual signal (LED 45) when the float 25 is located at thecorrect neutral position, that being the vertical center 24 of the reedswitch. This makes adjusting the screw 36 very easy as one can determinewhen the tube 20 has been properly located. Once everything is properlyadjusted, the test button 43 can be turned off such that the deviceresumes its normal operation.

Referring back to FIG. 7, a transmitter 54 can be added to communicatethe alarm notifications wirelessly. An independent circuit can be addedto the device that is powered by the normally closed (NC) pole of themicroswitch. This circuit will be off in the reset position and willturn on when the device is in alarm mode. This circuit will disconnectfrom power when the device is reset.

Also shown in FIG. 7 is a counter 57 that may be added to an embodimentof the present invention. The counter may be an electronic counter suchas an LED display or be a mechanical counter that requires no powerafter activated. The counter 57 is useful as it will indicate how manyflush cycles have occurred since the reset button was reset. In thismanner, one can quickly see if the flush count is substantially highsuch that this could indicate another problem exists. For example, theremay be situations where the toilet will flush and cycle to fill the tankcorrectly, but then shortly thereafter another flush cycle may beinitiated due to some problem. Over time, the toilet may keep flushingover and over such that much water is wasted. In the embodimentdescribed, the counter would help identify if such a problem wasoccurring. An additional reset button 58 could be added to reset thecounter itself.

In another embodiment not shown, one magnet may be used that is part ofthe float such that the one magnet either activates or deactivates thereed switch. Alternatively, the magnet may not be ring shaped, but couldbe cube shaped, cylindrically shaped or any other suitable shape as isknown to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, a multitude of magnetsof could be used disposed within a single float, such that some magnetswere disposed below the water line and some above the water line. As canbe appreciated, there a range of magnets and a range of reed switchesthat may be used consistent with the teaching of this application.

In another embodiment not shown, multiple reed switches could be used atvarying longitudinal distances (i.e. heights) to provide a diagnosticfeedback. For example, as the float changes position it could actuateother reed switches to indicate the water level and associated potentialfaults, especially if coupled with a microprocessor and timer.

In another embodiment, a Hall Effect sensor could be used. This wouldallow the device to not only detect the water level but also thedirection and/or velocity of the magnetic ring's travel and couldprovide insight as to whether there is a leak due to the tank notfilling, leaking slowly, or overfilling.

This Detailed Description merely describes exemplary embodiments of theinvention and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims in anyway. Indeed, the invention as claimed is broader than and unlimited bythe embodiments shown herein, and the terms used in the claims havetheir full ordinary meaning. For example, while exemplary embodimentsdescribed in this disclosure relate to the design and use of a low powerconsumption toilet leak detection device, it is to be understood thatone or more of the features described herein may additionally oralternatively be applied to other water system or to other fluidsystems, such as, for example, natural gas, air, propane, steam, oil,gas, or other such fluid systems. Furthermore, it is understood that afluid can be comprised of air, steam, gas, liquid or any combinationsthereof.

While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventionsmay be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination inthe exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and featuresmay be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or invarious combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expresslyexcluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intendedto be within the scope of the present inventions. Still further, whilevarious alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts andfeatures of the inventions—such as alternative materials, structures,configurations, methods, circuits, devices and components, software,hardware, control logic, alternatives as to form, fit and function, andso on—may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to bea complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments,whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art mayreadily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or featuresinto additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the presentinventions even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein.Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of theinventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement ormethod, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature isrequired or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further,exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assistin understanding the present disclosure, however, such values and rangesare not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to becritical values or ranges only if so expressly stated. Parametersidentified as “approximate” or “about” a specified value in the claimsare intended to include both the specified value and values within 10%of the specified value, unless expressly stated otherwise. Further, itis to be understood that the drawings accompanying the presentdisclosure may, but need not, be to scale, and therefore may beunderstood as teaching various ratios and proportions evident in thedrawings. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may beexpressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of aninvention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, butrather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that arefully described herein without being expressly identified as such or aspart of a specific invention, the inventions instead being set forth inthe appended claims. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes arenot limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases,nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed asrequired or necessary unless expressly so stated.

“Computer,” “control module,” or “processor” as used herein includes,but is not limited to, any programmed or programmable electronic deviceor coordinated devices that can store, retrieve, and process data andmay be a processing unit or in a distributed processing configuration.Examples of processors include microprocessors, microcontrollers,graphics processing units (GPUs), floating point units (FPUs), reducedinstruction set computing (RISC) processors, digital signal processors(DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. Computer devicesherein can have any of various configurations, such as handheldcomputers (e.g., so-called smart phones), pad computers, tablet laptopcomputers, desktop computers, and other configurations, and includingother form factors. The various computers and processors herein havelogic for performing the various corresponding functions and processesdescribed herein. “Logic,” synonymous with “circuit” as used hereinincludes, but is not limited to, hardware, firmware, software and/orcombinations of each to perform one or more functions or actions. Forexample, based on a desired application or needs, logic may include asoftware controlled processor, discrete logic such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmed logic device, or otherprocessor. Logic may also be fully embodied as software. “Software,” asused herein, includes but is not limited to one or more computerreadable and/or executable instructions that cause a processor or otherelectronic device to perform functions, actions, processes, and/orbehave in a desired manner. The instructions may be embodied in variousforms such as routines, algorithms, modules or programs includingseparate applications or code from dynamically linked libraries (DLLs).Software may also be implemented in various forms such as a stand-aloneprogram, a web-based program, a function call, a subroutine, a servlet,an application, an app, an applet (e.g., a Java applet), a plug-in,instructions stored in a memory, part of an operating system, or othertype of executable instructions or interpreted instructions from whichexecutable instructions are created. It will be appreciated by one ofordinary skill in the art that the form of software is dependent on, forexample, requirements of a desired application, the environment it runson, and/or the desires of a designer/programmer or the like. Inexemplary embodiments, some or all of the software is stored on memory,which includes one or more non-transitory computer readable media of oneor more local or remote data storage devices. As used herein, “datastorage device” means a device for non-transitory storage of code ordata, e.g., a device with a non-transitory computer readable medium. Asused herein, “non-transitory computer readable medium” mean any suitablenon-transitory computer readable medium for storing code or data, suchas a magnetic medium, e.g., fixed disks in external hard drives, fixeddisks in internal hard drives, and flexible disks; an optical medium,e.g., CD disk, DVD disk, and other media, e.g., RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM,EEPROM, flash PROM, external flash memory drives, etc. Communicationcircuits herein include antennas and/or data ports and driver chips forsending and receiving communications with other devices. In exemplaryembodiment, communication circuits can include any one or more of Wi-Fiantennas and circuitry, LTE antennas and circuitry, GPS antennas andcircuitry, CDPD antennas and circuitry, GPRS antennas and circuitry, GSMantennas and circuitry, UMTS antennas and circuitry, Ethernet circuitry,and other antennas and circuitry, USB ports and circuitry (e.g.,standard, micro, mini, etc.), RS-232 ports and circuitry, proprietaryports and circuitry (e.g., APPLE 30 pin and Lightning ports), RFIDantennas and circuitry, NFC antennas and circuitry, bump technologyantennas and circuitry, a Bluetooth (e.g., BLE) antenna and circuitry,DOCSIS circuitry, ONT circuitry, and other antennas, ports, andcircuitry.

As described herein, when one or more components are described as beingconnected, joined, affixed, coupled, attached, or otherwiseinterconnected, such interconnection may be direct as between thecomponents or may be indirect such as through the use of one or moreintermediary components. Also, as described herein, reference to a“member,” “component,” or “portion” shall not be limited to a singlestructural member, component, or element but can include an assembly ofcomponents, members or elements.

Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposesof illustration, various modifications may be made to each withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, theinvention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.

NUMERALS

-   -   10 ring magnet, axially magnetized    -   11 ring magnet, diametrically magnetized    -   12 central axis, ring magnet    -   N north-pole    -   S south-pole    -   Ri inside radius, ring magnet    -   Ro outside radius, ring magnet    -   T thickness, ring magnet    -   A location    -   B location    -   C location    -   D location    -   14 reed switch    -   15 glass capsule    -   16 insert gas    -   17 overlap    -   18 reed blades    -   19 longitudinal length    -   20 vertically oriented support, tube    -   21 seal    -   22 buoyant material    -   23 float    -   24 vertical center, reed switch    -   25 water level    -   26 upper stop    -   27 lower stop    -   28 water level switch/sensor    -   29 longitudinal axis, reed switch    -   30 low power consumption toilet tank leak detection device    -   31 toilet tank    -   32 support structure/bracket    -   33 screw    -   34 knurled head    -   35 passageway    -   36 screw    -   37 knurled head    -   38 controller    -   39 electronic circuit    -   40 timer    -   41 power source, battery    -   42 alarm indicator    -   43 test button    -   44 buzzer, audible alarm    -   45 LED    -   46 microswitch    -   47 lever    -   48 reset button    -   49 one end, lever    -   50 spring    -   51 latch arm    -   52 solenoid    -   53 relay or transistor switch    -   54 transmitter    -   55 angled head    -   56 hinge    -   57 counter    -   58 counter reset button

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid level detection device for a fluid tank,comprising: a fluid level switch configured to be disposed within thefluid tank, wherein the fluid level switch comprises a float configuredto be buoyant when placed upon a fluid source, and wherein the float isconfigured to at least partially move with a fluid level within thefluid tank from a beginning position to a first non-beginning position,the first non-beginning position being lower or higher in relation tothe beginning position; an electronic circuit electrically connected tothe fluid level switch, the electronic circuit including a power sourceand a timer; wherein the electronic circuit is configured to beelectrically disconnected from the power source when the fluid levelswitch is at the beginning position; wherein the electronic circuit isconfigured to be electrically connected to the power source when thefluid level switch is at the first non-beginning position; and whereinthe timer is configured to be activated when the fluid level switch isat the first non-beginning position, wherein the timer includes a presettime limit, wherein if the preset time limit is reached or exceeded theelectronic circuit is configured to send an alarm signal to an alarmindicator.
 2. The fluid level detection device of claim 1, furtherincluding a support structure, wherein the support structure includesthe fluid level switch and is formed as or includes a bracket, thebracket configured to secure the fluid level detection device to thefluid tank.
 3. The fluid level detection device of claim 1, wherein thetimer includes a second preset time limit, wherein if the second presettime limit is reached and/or exceeded the electronic circuit isconfigured to disconnect from the power source, wherein the secondpreset time limit starts when the first preset time limit is reachedand/or exceeded.
 4. The fluid level detection device of claim 1,including the alarm indicator which is attached to the supportstructure.
 5. The fluid level detection device of claim 4, wherein thealarm indicator is configured to be disposed at least partially outsidethe fluid tank, wherein the alarm indicator includes a visual alarm,wherein the visual alarm comprises an LED and/or wherein the visualalarm comprises a mechanical display configured to remain displayed evenwhen the power source is disconnected from the electronic circuit. 6.The fluid level detection device of claim 4, wherein the alarm indicatorcomprises a speaker configured to sound an audible alarm.
 7. The fluidlevel detection device of claim 4, wherein the alarm indicator comprisesa transmitter, wherein the transmitter is configured to receive thealarm signal and send a wireless alarm signal to an electronic device.8. The fluid level detection device of claim 7, wherein the alarmindicator is configured to be disposed within the fluid tank.
 9. Thefluid level detection device of claim 1, wherein the power sourceincludes a battery.
 10. The fluid level detection device of claim 1,wherein the fluid level switch comprises a vertically oriented supportincluding a reed switch having a longitudinal axis aligned along alongitudinal length of the vertically oriented support, wherein thefloat is movable up and down along the vertically oriented support,wherein the float comprises a ring magnet, the ring magnet comprising anorth pole ring portion abutting a south pole ring portion, wherein acentral axis of the ring magnet is aligned with the longitudinal axis ofthe reed switch.
 11. The fluid level detection device of claim 10,wherein the vertically oriented support includes a lower stop configuredto prevent the float from moving below the lower stop when the fluidlevel within the fluid tank drops further below, wherein the floatabutting the lower stop is located at the first non-beginning position.12. The fluid level detection device of claim 10, wherein the float isconfigured to at least partially move with the fluid level within thefluid tank from the beginning position to a second non-beginningposition, the second non-beginning position being higher in relation tothe beginning position.
 13. The fluid level detection device of claim12, wherein the vertically oriented support includes a higher stopconfigured to prevent the float from moving above the higher stop whenthe fluid level within the fluid tank rises further above, wherein thefloat abutting the higher stop is located at the second non-beginningposition.
 14. The fluid level detection device of claim 10, wherein thevertically oriented support is adjustable up and down in relation to thesupport structure.
 15. The fluid level detection device of claim 1,wherein the electronic circuit includes a counter, the counterconfigured to display how many times the fluid level detection devicewas activated.
 16. The fluid level detection device of claim 15, whereinthe counter includes a counter reset button, the counter reset buttonconfigured to reset the counter back to a starting count when activated.17. The fluid level detection device of claim 1, wherein the leakdetection device does not include a microprocessor.
 18. A fluid leakand/or overflow detection device for a fluid tank, comprising: a supportstructure configured to secure the fluid leak and/or overflow detectiondevice relative to the fluid tank, the support structure including afluid level switch; wherein the fluid level switch comprises a floatconfigured to be buoyant when placed upon a fluid source, and whereinthe float is configured to at least partially move with a fluid levelwithin the fluid tank from a beginning position to a first non-beginningposition, the first non-beginning position being lower or higher inrelation to the beginning position, wherein the float comprises a ringmagnet, the ring magnet comprising a north pole ring portion abutting asouth pole ring portion; an electronic circuit including a power sourceand a timer, wherein the electronic circuit is in electricalcommunication with the fluid level switch; wherein the electroniccircuit is configured to be electrically disconnected from the powersource when the fluid level switch is at the beginning position; whereina magnetic field created by the ring magnet causes the fluid levelswitch to enter a closed state when the float is at the firstnon-beginning position so that the electronic circuit is connected tothe power source; and wherein the timer is configured to be activatedwhen the fluid level switch is at the first non-beginning position,wherein the timer includes a preset time limit, wherein if the presettime limit is reached or exceeded the electronic circuit is configuredto send an alarm signal to an alarm indicator.
 19. A fluid leak and/oroverflow detection device for a fluid tank, comprising: a supportstructure configured to secure the fluid leak and/or overflow detectiondevice relative to the fluid tank; a fluid level switch attached to thesupport structure configured to be disposed within the fluid tank,wherein the fluid level switch comprises a float configured to bebuoyant when placed upon a fluid source, and wherein the float isconfigured to float upon and at least partially move with a fluid levelwithin the fluid tank from a beginning position to a first non-beginningposition, the first non-beginning position being lower or higher inrelation to the beginning position; an electronic circuit attached tothe support structure, the electronic circuit including a power sourceand a timer, wherein the electronic circuit is in electricalcommunication with the fluid level switch; an alarm indicator inelectrical communication with the electronic circuit; wherein theelectronic circuit is configured to be electrically disconnected fromthe power source when the fluid level switch is at the beginningposition; wherein the electronic circuit is configured to beelectrically connected to the power source when the fluid level switchis at the first non-beginning position; wherein the timer is configuredto be activated when the fluid level switch is at the firstnon-beginning position, wherein the timer includes a preset time limit,wherein if the preset time limit is reached or exceeded, the electroniccircuit is configured to send an alarm signal to the alarm indicator;and wherein the alarm indicator is attached to the support structureoutside the fluid tank, wherein the alarm indicator includes a visualdisplay showing the alarm signal was sent, wherein the visual display isconfigured to remain displayed after the power source is disconnectedfrom the electronic circuit.
 20. The fluid leak and/or overflowdetection device of claim 19, wherein the fluid level switch comprises avertically oriented support including a reed switch having alongitudinal axis aligned along a longitudinal length of the verticallyoriented support, wherein the float is movable up and down along thevertically oriented support, wherein the float comprises a ring magnet,the ring magnet comprising a north pole ring portion abutting a southpole ring portion, wherein a central axis of the ring magnet is alignedwith the longitudinal axis of the reed switch, wherein the verticallyoriented support includes: a lower stop configured to prevent the floatfrom moving below the lower stop when the fluid level within the fluidtank drops further below, wherein the float abutting the lower stop islocated at the first non-beginning position; or a higher stop configuredto prevent the float from moving above the higher stop when the fluidlevel within the fluid tank rises further above, wherein the floatabutting the higher stop is located at the first non-beginning position.